Metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) device, method of operation, and memory device including the same

ABSTRACT

A metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) device includes a semiconductor layer, an insulating layer disposed over an upper surface of the semiconductor layer, a back electrode disposed over a lower surface of the semiconductor layer opposing the upper surface, and first and second electrodes disposed over the insulating layer and spaced-apart from each other.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/007,678, filed on Jun. 13, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,515,998,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/565,410filed on Sep. 29, 2017, entitled“METAL-INSULATOR-SEMICONDUCTOR-INSULATOR-METAL (MISIM) STRUCTURE, METHODOF OPERATION, AND MEMORY DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME,” the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

A negative differential resistance (NDR) device has a two-terminalconfiguration or a three-terminal configuration. As to the two-terminalconfiguration, it is difficult to tune the NDR device to allow the NDRdevice to operate in an extended working range. On the other hand, as tothe three-terminal configuration, contemporary NDR devices are CMOSincompatible or can operate only in a single NDR mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional, cross-sectional view of the MISIMtaken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A shows an example of structures of a first electrode and a secondelectrode implemented in an MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3B shows an example of structures of a first electrode and a secondelectrode implemented in an MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3C shows an example of structures of a first electrode and a secondelectrode implemented in an MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a state of an MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, in which relative potential is applied to a firstelectrode, a second electrode, and a back electrode of the MISIM.

FIG. 4B shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure, in a case in which the relative potential shownin FIG. 4A is applied to the MISIM.

FIG. 5A shows current I_(B), I_(R), and I_(I) respectively passingthrough a back electrode, a second electrode, and a first electrode ofthe MISIM according to embodiments of the present disclosure, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference voltage to a predetermined voltage, with a bias V_(IB)applied between the first electrode and the back electrode.

FIG. 5B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 0.6V.

FIG. 5C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 0.6 V.

FIG. 6A shows current I_(B), I_(R), and I_(I) respectively passingthrough a back electrode, a second electrode, and a first electrode ofthe MISIM according to embodiments of the present disclosure, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference voltage to a predetermined voltage, with a bias V_(IB)applied between the first electrode and the back electrode.

FIG. 6B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 1.1V.

FIG. 6C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 1.1 V.

FIG. 7A shows current I_(B), I_(R), and I_(I) respectively passingthrough a back electrode, a second electrode, and a first electrode ofthe MISIM according to embodiments of the present disclosure, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference voltage to a predetermined voltage, with a bias V_(IB)applied between the first electrode and the back electrode.

FIG. 7B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 2V.

FIG. 7C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 2 V.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates relative potential applied to a firstelectrode, a second electrode, and a back electrode of the MISIMaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure, to operate theMISIM.

FIG. 8B shows a relation between I_(I) passing through a first electrodeand V_(I) applied to the first electrode, with a bias V_(IB) appliedbetween the first electrode and a back electrode.

FIG. 8C shows that the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure operates in a single negative differential resistance (NDR)mode, when V_(IB) of −0.05 V, 0 V, 0.05 V, 0.1 V, 0.5 V, 1 V, or 1.5 Vis applied.

FIG. 8D shows a relation between valley current of I_(I) passing througha first electrode and a bias V_(IB) applied between the first electrodeand a back electrode and a relation between peak-to-valley current ratio(PVCR) of I_(I) passing through the first electrode and the bias V_(IB)applied between the first electrode and the back electrode.

FIG. 9 shows a state of the MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, in which relative potential is applied to a firstelectrode, a second electrode, and a back electrode, such that the MISIMoperates in a dual negative differential resistance (NDR) mode.

FIG. 10A shows current I_(I) passing through a first electrode, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference to a predetermined voltage, with a constant bias Vii appliedbetween the first electrode and the second electrode.

FIG. 10B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is−0.8 V.

FIG. 11A shows current I_(I) passing through a first electrode, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference to a predetermined voltage, with a constant bias Vii appliedbetween the first electrode and the second electrode.

FIG. 11B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 0.2V.

FIG. 11C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodimentsof the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 0.2 V.

FIG. 12A shows current I_(I) passing through a first electrode, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference to a predetermined voltage, with a constant bias V_(IR)applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

FIG. 12B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 0.9V.

FIG. 12C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodimentsof the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 0.9 V.

FIG. 13A shows current I_(I) passing through a first electrode, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode sweeping froma reference to a predetermined voltage, with a constant bias V_(IR)applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

FIG. 13B shows one example of operating the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 1.4V.

FIG. 13C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM according to embodimentsof the present disclosure, in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 1.4 V.

FIG. 14A shows a relation between I_(I) passing through a firstelectrode and V_(I) applied to the first electrode, with a bias V_(IR)applied between the first electrode and a back electrode.

FIG. 14B shows that the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure operates in a dual NDR mode, when V_(IR) of 1.3 V, 1.5 V, 1.7V, or 2 V is applied.

FIG. 14C shows a relation between valley current of I_(I) passingthrough a first electrode and a bias Vii applied between the firstelectrode and a second electrode and a relation between peak-to-valleycurrent ratio (PVCR) of I_(I) passing through the first electrode andthe bias V_(IR) applied between the first electrode and the secondelectrode.

FIG. 15A shows an array of memory cells in which an MISIM is implementedin each memory cell, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B shows an operation mode of the MISIM implemented in each memorycell.

FIG. 15C shows read/write principle of each memory cell.

FIG. 16A shows an array of memory cells in which an MISIM, operating ina dual NDR mode, is implemented in each memory cell, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16B shows an operation mode of the MISIM implemented in each memorycell.

FIG. 16C shows an operation principle of each memory cell.

FIG. 17A shows equivalent connections of an MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B shows a circuit diagram including the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17C shows a relation between an input signal and an output signalof the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 17B.

FIG. 18A shows a schematic view of cross-coupled memory cells, in whichthe structure shown in FIG. 17B is implemented in each memory cell.

FIG. 18B shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18C shows states of the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG.18A.

FIG. 18D shows ranges of input signal and output signal of thecross-coupled memory cells suitable to represent digital (or binary)data “00,” “01,” “10,” and “11.”

FIG. 19A shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have three states.

FIG. 19B shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have two states.

FIG. 19C shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have one state.

FIG. 20A shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have one state.

FIG. 20B shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have two states.

FIG. 20C shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have three states.

FIG. 20D shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have four states.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of an MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the provided subjectmatter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are describedbelow to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merelyexamples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formationof a first feature over or on a second feature in the description thatfollows may include embodiments in which the first and second featuresare formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in whichadditional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees orat other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In the entire disclosure, “about n m,” in which “n” is a number and “m”is a unit, used to describe a parameter means that the parameter is“exactly n m” or the parameter is offset from “exactly n m” when designerror/margin, manufacturing error/margin, measurement error etc. areconsidered. Such a description is recognizable to one of ordinary skillin the art.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) according toembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional,cross-sectional view of the MISIM taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, the MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure includes a semiconductor layer 100, an insulatinglayer 110 disposed on an upper surface of the semiconductor layer 100, afirst electrode I disposed on the insulating layer 110, a secondelectrode R disposed on the insulating layer 110 and spaced-apart fromthe first electrode I, and a back electrode B disposed on a lowersurface of the semiconductor layer 100 opposing the upper surface of thesemiconductor layer 100.

According to some embodiments, the semiconductor layer 100 includes, orconsist essentially of, a group II, a group III, a group IV, a group V,and/or a group VI element, and/or combinations thereof, for example,selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, silicongermanium, gallium arsenide, aluminum antimonide, indium aluminumantimonide, indium antimonide, indium arsenide, indium phosphide,gallium nitride, and combinations thereof. The present disclosure,however, is not limited thereto, and any suitable semiconductor materialcan be used to make the semiconductor layer 100.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor layer 100 is made of asemiconductor substrate, and the first electrode I and the secondelectrode R, and the back electrode B are disposed on opposite sides ofthe semiconductor substrate, as shown in FIG. 1.

In other embodiments, the semiconductor layer 100 is a semiconductorlayer disposed on a substrate which is made one of the above-describedsemiconductor materials or is an insulating substrate. In this case, theback electrode B is embedded between the semiconductor layer 100 and thesubstrate. These features will be shown in greater detail with referenceto FIG. 21 to be described later.

Referring to FIG. 1, according to some embodiments, the semiconductorlayer 100 is made of an N-type semiconductor material with N-typedopants with a doping concentration of about 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to about5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³, or is made of a P-type semiconductor material with a dopingconcentration of about 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to about 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³. The dopingconcentration is not limited thereto and can be adjusted to be less than5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ or greater than 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³, according to designparticulars.

According to some embodiments, the first electrode I has a circularshape, and the second electrode R has a ring shape surrounding the firstelectrode I and is spaced-apart from the first electrode I by a distanceS, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiment, the first electrode I has adiameter of about 100 nm to about 400 μm, the distance S between thefirst electrode I and the second electrode R is about 5 nm to about 30μm, and an inner diameter of the ring-shape second electrode R is about110 nm to about 460 μm. In some embodiments, the first electrode I hasthe diameter of about 200 nm to about 20 μm, the distance S between thefirst electrode I and the second electrode R is about 20 nm to about 1μm, and the inner diameter of the ring-shaped second electrode R isabout 400 nm to about 50 μm. The dimensions of the diameter of the firstelectrode I, the distance S, and the inner diameter of the ring-shapedsecond electrode R should not be limited thereto and can be modifiedaccording to design particulars.

In some embodiments, the first electrode I and the second electrode Rcan be formed by patterning a metal layer formed on the insulating layer110. In this case, the first electrode I and the second electrode R areformed of the same conductive material. The present disclosure, however,is not limited thereto, and the materials for forming the firstelectrode I and the second electrode R can be different from each other,according to design particulars.

In a case in which the semiconductor layer 100 is an N-typesemiconductor layer, the first electrode I and the second electrode Rhave a flatband voltage V_(FB)>0, and can be made of one of gold,silver, platinum, nickel, or an alloy thereof. In a case in which thesemiconductor layer 100 is a P-type semiconductor layer, the firstelectrode I and the second electrode R have a flatband voltage V_(FB)<0,and can be made of one of aluminum, hafnium, magnesium, or an alloythereof. As to the material to make the first electrode I and the secondelectrode R, any other conductive material such as metal or metal alloycan be used, as long as the flatband voltage V_(FB) of the firstelectrode I and the second electrode R is greater than 0 when thesemiconductor layer 100 is an N-type semiconductor layer or the flatbandvoltage V_(FB) of the first electrode I and the second electrode R isless than 0 when the semiconductor layer 100 is a P-type semiconductorlayer.

The back electrode B can be made of any suitable conductive materialincluding, but not limited to, aluminum, gold, titanium, polysilicon,silver, nickel, copper, or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the insulating layer 110 is made of any insulatingmaterial, for example, an oxide layer or a nitride layer. In someembodiments, the insulating layer is made of an oxide layer or a nitridelayer of the material used to form the semiconductor layer 100. When thesemiconductor layer 100 is made of silicon, the insulating layer 100 ismade of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. Thematerial for making the insulating layer 110, however, is not limitedthereto. In some embodiments, the insulating layer 110 is made of ahigh-k dielectric material, such as HfO₂, HfSiO, HfSiON, HfTaO, HfIIO,HfZrO, ZrO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂, hafnium dioxide-alumina (HfO₂—Al₂O₃) alloy, ora combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a thickness d of the insulating layer 110 is about1 nm to about 4 nm, such that tunneling between the first electrode Iand the second electrode R occurs. However, the thickness d of theinsulating layer 110 can be less than about 1 nm or more than about 4nm, depending on dimensions of the MISIM, such as the diameter of thefirst electrode I, the distance S, and the inner diameter of the secondelectrode R, the materials used to form the semiconductor layer 100, theinsulating layer 110, the first electrode I, and the second electrode R,the doping concentration of the semiconductor layer 100, and/oroperating voltages applied to terminals such as the first electrode I,the second electrode R, and the back electrode B.

Although not shown, in some embodiments, the MISIM further includesanother insulating layer disposed between the first electrode I and thesecond electrode R so as to fill the space between the first electrode Iand the second electrode R.

As described above, the first electrode I has a circular shape, and thesecond electrode R has a ring shape surrounding the first electrode Iand is spaced-apart from the first electrode I by the distance S. Thestructures of the first electrode I and the second electrode R, however,are not limited thereto. FIGS. 3A-3C show other examples of thestructures of the first electrode and the second electrode.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a first electrode 121 and a second electrode 141each have a rectangular shape according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode have aheight (or a length) L₁₁ of about 20 nm to about 300 μm, and the firstelectrode 121 and the second electrode 141 have a width W₁₁ of about 20nm to about 300 am. In some embodiments, sides of the first electrode121 and the second electrode 141 are parallel to each other and arespaced apart from each other by a distance S₁₁ of about 5 nm to about 30μm. In some embodiments, the height (or the length) L₁₁ of the firstelectrode 121 and the second electrode 141 is about 50 nm to about 20μm, the width W₁₁ of the first electrode 121 and the second electrode141 is about 50 nm to about 20 μm, and the distance S₁₁ between thefirst electrode 121 and the second electrode 141 is about 20 nm to about1 μm. The size of the first electrode 121, the distance S₁₁, and thesize of the second electrode 141 should not be limited thereto, and canbe modified according to design particulars.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a first electrode 122 includes an inner electrode122 a partially surrounded by an outer electrode 142 a of a secondelectrode 142, according to some embodiments. The first electrode 122further includes a contact electrode 122 c connected to the innerelectrode by a connection electrode 122 b, and the second electrode 142further includes a contact electrode 142 c connected to the outerelectrode by a connection electrode 142 b. The contact electrodes 122 cand 142 c of the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 142 have arectangular shape having a length L₂₁ of about 100 μm to about 400 μm,and a width W₂₁ of about 100 μm to about 400 μm, in some embodiments.The connection electrodes 122 b and 142 b of the first electrode 122 andthe second electrode 142 have a width D₂₄ of about 50 nm to about 50 μmand a length D₂₂ of about 1 μm to about 200 μm, in some embodiments. Insome embodiments, the outer portion 142 a of the second electrode 142partially surrounding the inner electrode 122 a of the first electrode122 has a length D₂₅ of about 1 μm to about 200 μm and a width D₂₁ ofabout 200 nm to about 500 μm. In some embodiments, a distance S₂₁between an inner edge of the outer electrode 142 a of the secondelectrode 142 and an edge of the inner electrode 122 a of the firstelectrode 122 is about 5 nm to about 30 μm, and a distance S₂₂ betweenthe outer electrode 142 a of the second electrode 142 and the connectionelectrode 122 b of the first electrode 122 is about 5 nm to about 30 μm.The size of the first electrode 122, the distances S₂₁ and S₂₂, and thesize of the second electrode 142 should not be limited thereto and canbe modified according to design particulars.

Referring to FIG. 3C, a first electrode 123 and a second electrode 143constitute a comb-shaped arrays according to some embodiments. The firstelectrode 123 and the second electrode 143 can include a comb-shapedelement 123 a and a comb-shaped element 143 a, respectively. In theseembodiments, the comb-shaped element 123 a includes a comb head portion123 al and elongated members 123 a 2 extending from the comb headportion 123 al. Similarly, the comb-shaped element 143 a includes a combhead portion 143 al and elongated members 143 a 2 extending from thecomb head portion 143 al. In the embodiment represented in FIG. 3C, theelongated members 123 a 2 are interleaved with and spaced apart from theelongated members 143 a 2. A length D₃₁ of each electrode 123 a or 143 aof the comb-shaped arrays is about 200 nm to about 500 μm, in someembodiments. A width D₃₅ of the elongated member 123 a 2/143 a 2 isabout 50 nm to about 100 μm, in some embodiments. A distance S₃₁ betweenadjacent elongated member 123 a 2 and 143 a 2 of the comb-shaped arraysis about 5 nm to about 30 μm, in some embodiments. The first electrode123 and the second electrode 143 respectively include contact electrodes123 c and 143 c having a length L₃₁ of about 100 μm to about 400 μm anda width W₃₁ of about 100 μm to about 400 μm, in some embodiments. Thefirst electrode 123 and the second electrode 143 respectively furtherinclude connection portions 123 b and 143 b connecting the respectivecontact electrodes 123 c and 143 c to the respective comb head portions123 al and 143 al and having a length D₃₂ of about 1 μm to about 200 μmand a width D₃₄ of about 50 nm to about 50 μm, in some embodiments. Thenumber of comb-shaped structure pairs (each pair includes one elongatedmember 123 a 2 and one elongated member 143 a 2 adjacent to each other)of the comb-shaped arrays can be from 10 to 10,000 or from 10 to 100, insome embodiments. The size of the first electrode 143, the distancesS₃₁, the size of the second electrode 143, and the number of thecomb-shaped structure pairs of the com-shaped arrays should not belimited thereto and can be modified according to design particulars.

The structures of the first electrode and the second electrode, however,are not limited to the above examples with reference to FIGS. 1-3C. Insome embodiments, any two electrodes spaced-apart from each other by apredetermined distance can be implemented as the first electrode and thesecond electrode.

In the following, for convenience, the structures of the first electrodeand the second electrode shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described belowas an example. The above-described other examples of the first electrodeand the second electrode can be used to modify the example to bedescribed below, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

FIG. 4A shows a state of the MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, in which relative potential is applied to the firstelectrode I, the second electrode R, and the back electrode B. FIG. 4Bshows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM, in a case in which the relativepotential shown in FIG. 4A is applied to the MISIM.

Referring to the drawings, when the second electrode R is connected tothe ground, and the back electrode B and the first electrode I are bothconnected to, for example, positive potential, with a constant biasV_(IB) between the first electrode I and the back electrode B, currentI_(I) passing through the first electrode I is determined by lateralminority carriers supplied from the second electrode R of the MISIM.According to some embodiments, in a case in which the semiconductorlayer 100 is a P-type semiconductor layer, a level of electrons actingas the lateral minority carriers supplied by the second electrode R canbe determined at least based on electron injection (J_(inj)) from thesecond electrode R, quantity of the inversion charge (n_(inv)) under thesecond electrode R, and a barrier height Φ_(S) for the inversion chargesflowing to the insulating layer 110.

According to some embodiments, the MISIM can operate as a negativedifferential resistance (NDR) with a single peak, in a case in whichrelative potential applied to the first electrode I, the secondelectrode R, and the back electrode B satisfies a predeterminedrelation. For convenience, a mode of operation of a negativedifferential resistance (NDR) with a single peak will be termed as asingle NDR mode. In the following, the MISIM according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure including a P-type semiconductor layer 100 andthe first electrode I and the second electrode R thereof having flatbandV_(FB) satisfying V_(FB)<0 will be described as an example.

FIG. 5A shows current I_(B), I_(R), and I_(I) respectively passingthrough the back electrode B, the second electrode R, and the firstelectrode I, in response to a voltage V_(I) applied to the firstelectrode I sweeping from a reference voltage, for example, 0 V, to apredetermined voltage, for example, 2.5 V, with a bias V_(IB) of 0.5 Vapplied between the first electrode I and the back electrode B. Forconvenience, an arrow M1 is added to FIG. 5A to represent a first trendof the current I_(I) passing through the first electrode I when V_(I)sweeps from 0 V to a first predetermined value, for example, about 0.9V. FIG. 5B shows one example in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 0.6 V, andFIG. 5C shows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM in which V_(I) (or V_(IR))is 0.6 V.

Referring to FIG. 5A, in a case in which V_(I) sweeps from 0 V to about0.9 V, the absolute value of the current I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode I increases and is substantially equal to the absolute valueof the current I_(R) passing through the second electrode R. Thus, in acase in which V_(I) sweeps from 0 V to about 0.9 V, the MISIM acts as apositive differential resistance. Referring to the bandgap diagram shownin FIG. 5C, the inversion charges, i.e., electrons, under the secondelectrode R flow to the first electrode.

FIG. 6A shows the same content as that shown in FIG. 5A, except that anarrow M2 is used in FIG. 6A to represent a second trend of the currentI_(I) passing through the first electrode I when V_(I) sweeps from thefirst predetermined voltage, for example, about 0.9 V, to a secondpredetermined voltage, for example, about 1.2 V. FIG. 6B shows oneexample in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 1.1 V, and FIG. 6C shows a bandgapdiagram of the MISIM in which V_(I) (or V_(IR)) is 1.1 V.

Referring to FIG. 6B, in a case in which V_(I) sweeps from about 0.9 Vto about 1.2 V, the absolute value of the current I_(R) passing throughthe second electrode R is substantially equal to the absolute value ofthe current I_(B) passing through the back electrode B, and the absolutevalue of the current I_(I) passing through the first electrode Idecreases. Thus, in a case in which V_(I) sweeps from about 0.9 V toabout 1.1 V, the MISIM acts as a negative differential resistance.Referring to the bandgap diagram shown in FIG. 6C, relative high energyinversion charges under the second electrode R flow to the back contactB. Since the lateral inversion charge current density J_(inv) and thebarrier height Φ_(S) are relatively lower, the inversion charges(n_(inv)) under the second electrode R dominate the supply of theminority carriers to the first electrode I.

FIG. 7A shows the same content as that shown in FIG. 5A, except that anarrow M3 is used in FIG. 7A to represent a third trend of the currentI_(I) passing through the first electrode I when V_(I) sweeps from thesecond predetermined voltage, for example, about 1.2 V to a thirdpredetermined voltage, for example, about 2.5 V. FIG. 7B shows oneexample in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 2 V, and FIG. 7C shows a bandgapdiagram of the MISIM in which V_(I)(or V_(IR)) is 2 V.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in a case in which V_(I) sweeps from about 1.2 Vto about 2.5 V, the absolute value of the current I_(R) passing throughthe second electrode R is substantially equal to the absolute value ofthe current I_(B) passing through the back electrode B, and the absolutevalue of the current I_(I) passing through the first electrode Iincreases. Thus, in a case in which V_(I) sweeps from about 1.2 V toabout 2.5 V, the MISIM acts as a positive differential resistance.Referring to the bandgap diagram shown in FIG. 7C, a relatively largelateral electron injection dominates the supply of the minority carriersfrom the second electrode R to the first electrode I.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates relative potential applied to thefirst electrode I, the second electrode R, and the back electrode B ofthe MISIM according to embodiments of the present disclosure, to operatethe MISIM. FIG. 8B shows a relation between I_(I) passing the firstelectrode I and V_(I) applied to the first electrode I, with a biasV_(IB) of 0.5 V applied between the first electrode I and the backelectrode B. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that thecurve I_(I)-V_(I) shown in FIG. 5A, 6A, or 7A and the curve I_(I)-V_(I)shown in FIG. 8B are the same as each other except that the upper end ofV_(I) in FIG. 8B is 1.8 V rather than 2.5 V in FIG. 5A, 6A, or 7A, andI_(I) is in a linear scale in FIG. 8B rather than in a logarithmic scalein FIG. 5A, 6A, or 7A.

Referring to FIG. 8B, I_(I) passing through the first electrode I hasone single peak, in response to V_(I) applied to the first electrode Isweeping from a reference, for example, 0 V, to a predetermined voltage,for example, 1.8 V. In this regard, the MISIM operates as a single NDR,as in the entire sweeping range from the reference, for example, 0 V, tothe predetermined voltage, for example, 2 V, I_(I), provided as anoutput signal of the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, has one peak when V_(I) is about 0.9 V.

Configurations of relative potential applied to the first electrode I,the second electrode R, and the back electrode B of the MISIM accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure, are not limited to the aboveexamples described with reference to FIGS. 5A-8B, such that the MISIMaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure operates as a singleNDR. According to some embodiments, the bias V_(IB) between the firstelectrode I and the back electrode B can be adjusted according to designparticulars, thereby adjusting the peak of I_(I) passing through thefirst electrode I and the corresponding voltage of V_(I).

For example, FIG. 8C shows that, by applying V_(IB) of −0.05 V, 0 V,0.05 V, 0.1 V, 1 V, or 1.5 V, as well as 0.5 V as described above, theMISIM according to embodiments of the present disclosure can operate asa single NDR. With a different value of V_(IB), a different peak ofI_(I) passing through the first electrode I and a differentcorresponding voltage of V_(I) can be obtained. According to someembodiments, one among the exemplary I_(I)-V_(I) curves shown in FIG. 8Ccan be selected by selecting the corresponding V_(IB), such that theMISIM operates based on the selected I_(I)-V_(I), according to designparticulars. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that thecurves shown in FIG. 8C are merely examples. In other embodiments, anyother value of V_(IB), i.e., a constant value other than the aboveexamples but between a lower limit, for example, −0.05 V and an upperlimit, for example, 1.5 V, is used.

FIG. 8D shows a relation between valley current of I_(I) passing throughthe first electrode I and the bias V_(IB) applied between the firstelectrode I and the back electrode B and a relation betweenpeak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR) of I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode I and the bias V_(IB) applied between the first electrode Iand the back electrode B. The values of the valleys shown in FIG. 8D arethe values of the valleys of a plurality of curves shown in FIG. 8C. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would understand that the values of thepeak and the valley used to calculate the PVCR are the values of thesame curve selected from the plurality of curves shown in FIG. 8C. Insome embodiments, the PVCR of I_(I) passing through the first electrodeI is tuned greater than 10 or even greater than 50.

As described above, the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure operates as a single NDR device, in response to theabove-described relative potential applied to the terminals such as thefirst electrode I, the second electrode R, and the back electrode B. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would understand that the relativepotential applied to the first electrode I and the second electrode Rcan be exchanged, and in this case, I_(R) passing through the secondelectrode R becomes an output signal of the MISIM, similar to I_(I)described above with reference to FIGS. 4A-8D.

Operation modes of the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not limited to the above-described single NDR mode. Insome embodiments, the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure operates in a dual NDR mode. These features will be moreapparent with reference to FIGS. 9-13D described below.

FIG. 9 shows a state of the MISIM according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure, in which relative potential is applied to the firstelectrode I, the second electrode R, and the back electrode B, such thatthe MISIM operates in a dual NDR mode.

Referring to FIG. 9, in a case in which the back electrode B isconnected to the ground, and the first electrode I and the secondelectrode R are connected with a constant bias V_(IR) therebetween,current I_(I) passing through the first electrode I_(I) has two peaksV_(peak1) and V_(peak2) as shown in FIG. 10A, 11A, 12A, or 13A to bedescribed later, when a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode I(or V_(R) applied to the back electrode B) sweeps.

FIG. 10A shows current I_(I) passing through the first electrode I, inresponse to a voltage V_(I) applied to the first electrode I sweepingfrom a reference, for example, −0.8 V, to a predetermined voltage, forexample, 3 V, with a constant bias V_(IR) of 1.3 V applied between thefirst electrode I and the second electrode R. For convenience, an arrowN1 is added to FIG. 10A to represent a first trend of the current I_(I)passing through the first electrode I when V_(I) sweeps from thereference, for example, −0.8 V, to a first predetermined voltage, forexample, 0 V. FIG. 10B shows one example in which V_(I)(or V_(IB)) is−0.8 V.

Referring to FIG. 10A, current I_(I) passing through the first electrodeI_(I) has two peaks V_(peak1) and V_(peak2) when V_(I) applied to thefirst electrode (or the bias V_(IB) between the first electrode I andthe back electrode B) is about 0 V and about 1 V, respectively.

Still referring to FIG. 10A, in a case in which V_(I) (or a bias V_(IB)between the first electrode I and the back electrode B) sweeps from −0.9V to about 0 V, the absolute value of the current I_(I) passing throughthe first electrode I increases and the absolute value of the currentdensity J_(V) from the first electrode I to the back electrode B isgreater than the absolute value of the current density I_(L) from thesecond electrode B to the first electrode I. That is, vertical currentpassing through the first electrode I is greater than the lateralcurrent thereof due to a negative V_(IB). Thus, in a case in which V_(I)sweeps from −0.9 V to about 0 V, the MISIM acts as a positivedifferential resistance.

FIG. 11A shows the same content as that shown in FIG. 10A, except thatan arrow N2 is used in FIG. 11A to represent a second trend of thecurrent I_(I) passing through the first electrode I when V_(I) sweepsfrom the first predetermined voltage, for example, about 0 V, to asecond predetermined voltage, for example, about 0.5 V. FIG. 11B showsone example in which V_(I)(or V_(IB)) is 0.2 V, and FIG. 11C shows abandgap diagram of the MISIM in which V_(I)(or V_(IB)) is 0.2 V.

Referring to the drawings, in a case in which V_(I) (or a bias V_(IB)between the first electrode I and the back electrode B) sweeps fromabout 0 V to about 0.5 V, vertical current from the first electrode I issubstantially cut off and current I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode is dominated by the lateral current. That is, electroninjection from the second electrode R dominates the lateral currentsupplied to the first electrode I. Accordingly, when V_(I) (or V_(IB))increases from about 0 V to about 0.5 Vs, V_(RB) becomes less negativeand I_(I) decreases. Thus, current I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode decreases and the MISIM acts as a negative differentialresistance, as indicated by the arrow N₂.

FIG. 12A shows the same content as that shown in FIG. 10A, except thatan arrow N3 is used in FIG. 11A to represent a third trend of thecurrent I_(I) passing through the first electrode I when V_(I) (orV_(IB)) sweeps from the second predetermined voltage, for example, about0.5 V, to a third predetermined voltage, for example, about 1 V. FIG.12B shows one example in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 0.9 V, and FIG. 12Cshows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM in which V_(I)(or V_(IB)) is 0.9 V.

Referring to the drawings, in a case in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) sweepsfrom about 0.5 V to about 1 V, inversion charges n_(inv) under thesecond electrode R increases such that the inversion charges n_(inv)overcome the barrier Φ_(S) and flow to the first electrode I. On theother hand, electron injection from the second electrode R is relativelylow. Thus, when V_(I) increases, n_(inv) increases such that I_(I)passing through the first electrode I increases. Accordingly, whenV_(I)(or V_(IB)) increases from about 0.5 V to about 1 Vs, current I_(I)passing through the first electrode increases and the MISIM acts as apositive differential resistance, as indicated by the arrow N₃.

FIG. 13A shows the same content as that shown in FIG. 10A, except thatan arrow N4 is used in FIG. 13A to represent a fourth trend of thecurrent I_(I) passing through the first electrode I when V_(I) (orV_(IB)) sweeps from the third predetermined voltage, for example, about1 V, to a fourth predetermined voltage, for example, about 2 V. FIG. 13Bshows one example in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) is 1.4 V, and FIG. 13Cshows a bandgap diagram of the MISIM in which V_(I)(or V_(IB)) is 1.4 V.

Referring to the drawings, in a case in which V_(I) (or V_(IB)) sweepsfrom about 1 V to about 3 V, due to a relatively large barrier Φ_(S),the inversion chargers under the second electrode R are blocked to flowto the first electrode I. Accordingly, when V_(I) (or V_(IB)) increasesfrom about 1 V to about 3 V, the barrier Φ_(S) increases and I_(I)decreases. That is, current I_(I) passing through the first electrodedecreases and the MISIM acts as a negative differential resistance, asindicated by the arrow N₄.

FIG. 14A shows a relation between I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode I and V_(I) applied to the first electrode I (or the biasV_(IB) applied between the first electrode I and the back electrode B),with a bias V_(IB) of 1.3 V applied between the first electrode I andthe second electrode R. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand that the curve I_(I)-V_(I) shown in FIG. 10A, 11A, 12A, or13A and the curve I_(I)-V_(I) shown in FIG. 14A are the same as eachother except that the lower end of V_(I) in FIG. 14A is −0.6 V ratherthan −0.9 V in FIG. 10A, 11A, 12A, or 13A.

Referring to FIG. 14A, I_(I) passing through the first electrode I hastwo peaks, in response to V_(I) applied to the first electrode Isweeping from −0.6 V to 3 V. In this regard, the MISIM operates in adual NDR mode, as the entire sweeping range from the reference, forexample, −0.6 V, to the predetermined voltage, for example, 3 V, I_(I),as an output signal of the MISIM, has a first peak when V_(I) is about 0V and has a second peak when V_(I) is about 1 V.

Configurations of relative potential applied to the first electrode I,the second electrode R, and the back electrode B of the MISIM accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure, are not limited to the aboveexample described with reference to FIGS. 10A-14A, such that the MISIMaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure operates in a dualNDR mode. According to some embodiments, the bias V_(IR) can be adjustedaccording to design particulars, such that the peak of I_(I) passingthrough the first electrode I and the corresponding voltage of V_(I) canbe adjusted.

For example, FIG. 14B shows that, by applying V_(IR) of 1.5 V, 1.7 V,2V, as well as 1.3 V as described above, the MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure operates as a dual NDR withdifferent dual peaks. According to some embodiments, one among theexemplary I_(I)-V_(I) curves shown in FIG. 14B is selected by selectingthe corresponding V_(IB), such that the MISIM operates based on theselected I_(I)-V_(I) according to design particulars. One of ordinaryskill in the art should understand that the curves shown in FIG. 14B aremerely examples. In other embodiments, any other value of V_(IR), i.e.,a constant value other than the above examples but between a lowerlimit, for example, 1.5 V and an upper limit, for example, 2 V, is beused.

FIG. 14C shows a relation between valley current of I_(I) passingthrough the first electrode I and the bias V_(IR) applied between thefirst electrode I and the second electrode R and a relation betweenpeak-to-valley current ratio (PVCR) of I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode I and the bias Vii applied between the first electrode I andthe second electrode R. The values of the valleys shown in FIG. 14C arethe values of the valleys of a plurality of curves shown in FIG. 14B.One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the values of thepeak and the valley used to calculate the PVCR are the values of thesame curve selected from the plurality of curves shown in FIG. 14B. Insome embodiments, the PVCR of I_(I) passing through the first electrodeI can be tuned to be greater than 10.

As described above, the MISIM according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure acts as a dual NDR device, in response to the above-describedrelative potential is applied to the terminals such as the firstelectrode I, the second electrode R, and the back electrode B. In someembodiments, the relative potential applied to the first electrode I andthe second electrode R is exchanged, and in this case, IR passingthrough the second electrode R is provided as an output signal of theMISIM, similar to I described above with reference to FIGS. 9-14C.

FIG. 15A shows an array of memory cells in which an MISIM is implementedin each memory cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 15B shows an operation mode of the MISIM implemented in each memorycell. FIG. 15C shows read/write principle of each memory cell.

Referring to FIG. 15A, each memory cell includes an MISIM, a pass-gatetransistor Tr, and a resistor 15, according to some embodiments. In eachmemory cell, the second electrode R of the MISIM is connected to theground, a bias voltage source U provides a constant bias V_(IB) ibetween the first electrode I and the back electrode B of the MISIM, thefirst electrode I and one terminal of the resistor 15 are connected to adrain of the pass-gate transistor Tr, and a constant current sourceI_(Q) connected between the other terminal of the resistor 15 and theground. Gate electrodes of the pass-gate transistors Tr of the memorycells in the same row are connected to the same wordline WL, and sourcesof the pass-gate transistors Tr of the memory cells in the same columnare connected to the same bitline BL.

The MISIM implemented in each memory cell is connected in manner similaras that shown in FIG. 8A. Accordingly, the MISIM can operate in a singleNDR mode, in which two or more values of V_(I) applied to the firstelectrode I correspond to one value of I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode I, according to some embodiments.

I_(Q) shown in FIG. 15B is the same as the current provided by thecurrent source I_(Q) in each memory cell. The same V_(IB) is used toobtain the I_(I)-V_(I) curve in FIG. 15B and is also used in each memorycell in FIG. 15A. Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 15A-15C, bitlinesignals V₀ and V₁, respectively indicative of digital (or binary) “0”and digital (or binary) “1,” can be determined based on the I_(I)-V_(I)curve, once the current source I_(Q) is determined. Thus, in response toa signal V_(pass) applied to the wordline WL, a data signal (i.e., V₀ orV₁) transmitted by the bitline BL can be stored in a correspondingmemory cell in a writing operation or a signal, represented by a voltageV₀ or V₁ stored in a corresponding memory cell, can be transmitted tothe bitline BL in a reading operation.

According to some embodiments, the MISIM of the present disclosure, ifoperating in a dual NDR mode, is also implemented to a memory cell. FIG.16A shows an array of memory cells in which an MISIM, operating in adual NDR mode, is implemented in each memory cell according toembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 16B shows an operation modeof the MISIM implemented in each memory cell. FIG. 16C shows anoperation principle of each memory cell.

Referring to FIG. 16A, each memory cell includes an MISIM, a pass-gatetransistor Tr, and a resistor 15, according to some embodiments. In eachmemory cell, the back electrode B of the MISIM is connected to theground, a bias voltage source U provides a constant bias V_(IR) betweenthe first electrode I and the second electrode R of the MISIM, the firstelectrode I and one terminal of the resistor 15 are connected to a drainof the pass-gate transistor Tr, and a constant current source I_(Q) isconnected between the other terminal of the resistor 15 and the ground.Gate electrodes of the pass-gate transistors Tr of the memory cells inthe same row are connected to the same wordline WL, and sources of thepass-gate transistors Tr of the memory cells in the same column areconnected to the same bitline BL.

The MISIM implemented in each memory cell is connected in manner similaras that shown in FIG. 9. Accordingly, the MISIM can operate in a dualNDR mode, in which two or more values of V_(I) applied to the firstelectrode correspond to one value of I_(I) passing through the firstelectrode I, according to some embodiments.

I_(Q) shown in FIG. 16B is the same as the current provided by thecurrent source I_(Q) in each memory cell shown in FIG. 16A. The sameV_(IB) is used to obtain the I_(I)-V_(I) curve in FIG. 16B and is alsoused in each memory cell in FIG. 16A. Accordingly, referring to FIGS.16A-16C, bitline signals V₀ and V₁, respectively indicative of digital(or binary) “0” and digital (or binary) “1,” can be determined based onthe I_(I)-V_(I) curve, once the current source I_(Q) is determined.Thus, in response to a signal V_(pass) applied to the wordline WL, adata signal (i.e., V₀ or V₁) transmitted by the bitline BL can be storedin a corresponding memory cell in a writing operation, or a data signal,represented by a voltage V₀ or V_(I) stored in a corresponding memorycell, can be transmitted to the bitline BL in a reading operation.

As described above, an MISIM operating in either a single NDR mode or adual NDR mode can be implemented in a memory cell which stores onestate, digital (or binary) “1” corresponding to logic high or digital(or binary) “0” corresponding to logic low. The present disclosure isnot limited thereto. In some embodiments to be described below withreference to FIGS. 17A-20D, the MISIM is implemented in a memory cell tostore one or more states.

FIG. 17A shows equivalent connections of an MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17B shows a circuit diagramincluding the MISIM according to embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 17C shows a relation between an input signal and an output signalof the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 17B.

Referring to a connection of the MISIM on the left side of FIG. 17A, thesecond electrode R is connected to the ground, a bias voltage source Uprovides a constant bias V_(IB) i between the first electrode I and theback electrode B, and an input voltage V_(in) is applied to the firstelectrode I.

Referring to a connection of the MISIM on the right side of FIG. 17A,the constant bias V_(IB) is applied between the first electrode I andthe back electrode B, and the voltage applied to the second electrode Rand the input voltage applied to the first electrode I are both loweredby V_(in), with reference to those shown in the left side of FIG. 17A.Since relative potential applied in the terminals of the MISIM includingthe first electrode I, the second electrode R, and the back electrode Bare the same in the two configurations shown in FIG. 17A, the twoconfigurations thereof are equivalent to each other.

Referring to FIG. 17B, in the circuit diagram, the second electrode R ofthe MISIM is connected to an input terminal V_(in1) and the firstelectrode I of the MISIM is connected to an output terminal V_(out1). Insome embodiments, an input signal having a positive voltage applied tothe input terminal V_(in1) is converted to a negative voltage having thesame absolute value as the positive negative voltage and applied to thesecond electrode R, by a first amplifier A1 and series connectedresistors r having the same resistance (e.g., from 1Ω to 100 MΩ)connected to the first amplifier A1 and between the input terminalV_(in1) and the second electrode R. In some embodiments, current, as anoutput of the first electrode I, passing through the first electrode Iis converted to a signal having a voltage format output at the outputterminal V_(out1) by a second amplifier A2 and a resistor R₁. Thus, boththe input signal and the output signal as shown in FIG. 17C have avoltage format. According to some embodiments, in a case in which theresistor R₁ is selected to have a suitable resistance value, the outputsignal has suitable amplitude. For example, in a case in which the MISIMhaving characteristics shown in FIG. 8B and in a case in which R₁ isequal to 20 MΩ, the peak of the output signal is about 2.4 V, suitableto be a signal to be transmitted in a bitline in a memory device. One ofordinary skill in the art would understand that R₁ having a resistanceof 20 MΩ is merely an example and the resistance value of R₁ is notlimited thereto. In other embodiments, the resistance value of R₁ can beadjusted according the characteristics of the MISIM, such that asuitable range of the output signal can be obtained. In someembodiments, the resistance value of R₁ is from 1 MΩ to 100 MΩ.

FIG. 18A shows a schematic view of cross-coupled memory cells, in whichthe structure shown in FIG. 17B is implemented in each memory cell. FIG.18B shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shown inFIG. 18A. FIG. 18C shows states of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A. FIG. 18D shows ranges of input signal and output signal ofthe cross-coupled memory cells suitable to represent digital (or binary)data “00,” “01,” “10,” and “11.”

Referring to FIG. 18A, the cross-coupled memory cells including a firstmemory cell 1 and a second memory cell 2. An input terminal of thesecond memory cell 2 is coupled to an output terminal of the firstmemory cell 1, and an output terminal of the second memory cell 2 iscoupled to an input terminal of the first memory cell 1. In someembodiments, each of the first memory cell 1 and the second memory cell2 can be the same as the structure shown in FIG. 17B, although thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto.

Still referring to FIG. 18A, a first bitline BL1 is connected to theinput terminal of the first memory cell 1 (or the output terminal of thesecond memory cell 2) through a first pass-gate transistor Tr1, and asecond bitline BL2 is connected to the input terminal of the secondmemory cell 2 (or the input terminal of the first memory cell 1) througha second pass-gate transistor Tr2. A first wordline WL1 is connected toa gate electrode of the first pass-gate transistor Tr1, and a secondwordline WL2 is connected to a gate electrode of the second pass-gatetransistor Tr2.

In a case in which each of the first memory cell 1 and the second memorycell 2 is the same as the structure shown in FIG. 17B, a relationbetween an input signal and an output signal of each of the first memorycell 1 and the second memory cell 2 is the same as those shown in FIG.17C. FIG. 18B shows a relation between an input signal V_(in1) and anoutput signal V_(out1) of the first memory cell 1 and a relation of aninput signal V_(in2) and an output signal V_(out2) of the first memorycell 1. Since the first memory cell 1 and the second memory cell 2 arecross-coupled, the input signal V_(in1) of the first memory cell 1 isthe same as the output signal V_(out2) of the second memory cell 2, andthe output signal V_(out1) of the first memory cell 1 is the same as theinput signal V_(in2) of the second memory cell 2, as shown in FIG. 18B.Since the MISIM operates in a single NDR mode having one peak and theresistor R2 is selected to be a large enough value, for example, 20 MΩ,the peak of the output signal V_(out1) of the first memory cell 1 (orthe peak of the output signal V_(out2) of the second memory cell 2) isgreater than the corresponding input signal V_(in1) of the first memorycell 1 (or the corresponding input signal V_(in2) of the second memorycell 2). Accordingly, the two curves, V_(out1)-V_(in1) andV_(out2)-V_(in2), cross each other at four or more points (representedby circles in FIG. 18B).

According to some embodiments, based on the four points at which the twocurves, V_(out1)-V_(in1) and V_(out2)-V_(in2), cross with each othershown in FIG. 18B, digital (or binary) data “00,” “01,” “10,” and “11”stored in or read from the cross-coupled first and second memory cells 1and 2 are defined, for example, by boundaries represented by dash linesin FIG. 18C. The locations of the boundaries to define digital (orbinary) data “00,” “01,” “10,” and “11” should not limited to thoseshown in FIG. 18C and can be modified, as long as the four pointsrepresented by circles in FIG. 18C are in different quadrants of acoordinate system defined by the boundaries.

FIG. 18D shows an example defining digital (or binary) data “00,” “01,”“10,” and “11” of the cross-coupled first and second memory cells 1 and2 shown in FIG. 18A, in a case in which the characteristics of each ofthe first and second memory cells 1 and 2 satisfy the relation shown inFIG. 18B. The ranges of the input signals or the out signals V_(in1),V_(out2), V_(in2), and V_(out2) shown in FIG. 18D defining digital (orbinary) data “00,” “01,” “10,” and “11” are merely an example. Thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 19A shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have three states.FIG. 19B shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have two states.FIG. 19C shows an operation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shownin FIG. 18A, in which the cross-coupled memory cells have one state.

According to some embodiments, by selecting suitable resistance valuesof the first resistor R₁ and the second resistor R₂ of the cross-coupledmemory cells shown in FIG. 18A, the two curves, V_(out1)-V_(in1) andV_(out2)-V_(in2), of the cross-coupled memory cells can have four states(denoted by circles) as shown in FIG. 18B as described above, in a casein which R₁ is 20 MΩ and R2 is 20 MΩ.

According to some embodiments, by selecting suitable resistance valuesof the first resistor R₁ and the second resistor R₂ of the cross-coupledmemory cells shown in FIG. 18A, the two curves, V_(out1)-V_(in1) andV_(out2)-V_(in2), of the cross-coupled memory cells have three states(denoted by circles) as shown in FIG. 19A, in a case in which R₁ is 20MΩ and R₂ is 10 MΩ or vice versa.

According to some embodiments, by selecting suitable resistance valuesof the first resistor R₁ and the second resistor R₂ of the cross-coupledmemory cells shown in FIG. 18A, the two curves, V_(out1)-V_(in1) andV_(out2)-V_(in2), of the cross-coupled memory cells have two states(denoted by circles) as shown in FIG. 19B, in a case in which R₁ is 20MΩ and R₂ is 4 MΩ or vice versa.

According to some embodiments, by selecting suitable resistance valuesof the first resistor R₁ and the second resistor R₂ of the cross-coupledmemory cells shown in FIG. 18A, the two curves, V_(out1)-V_(in1) andV_(out2)-V_(in2), of the cross-coupled memory cells have one state(denoted by circle) as shown in FIG. 19C, in a case in which R₁ is 10 MΩand R₂ is 5 MΩ or vice versa.

That is, the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG. 18A can beimplemented to store one among one to four states, in accordance withsuitable resistance values of the first resistor R₁ and the secondresistor R₂. The exemplary resistance values of the first resistor R₁and the second resistor R₂ described above are merely examples, and thepresent disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the above descriptions with reference to FIGS. 18B-19C to obtainmultistates of the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG. 18A, thebias V_(IB) applied in each memory cell is maintained constantly at 0.5V and the resistance values of the first resistor R₁ and the secondresistor R₂ are adjusted according to design particulars. The presentdisclosure, however, is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, theresistance value of the first resistor R₁ and the resistance value ofthe second resistor R₂ are from 1 MΩ to 100 MΩ.

According to other embodiments, multistates of the cross-coupled memorycells shown in FIG. 18A can be achieved by selecting a suitable biasV_(IB) while maintaining the constant resistance values of the firstresistor R₁ and the second resistor R₂. FIG. 20A shows an operation modeof the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG. 18A, in which thecross-coupled memory cells have one state. FIG. 20B shows an operationmode of the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG. 18A, in which thecross-coupled memory cells have two states. FIG. 20C shows an operationmode of the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG. 18A, in which thecross-coupled memory cells have three states. FIG. 20D shows anoperation mode of the cross-coupled memory cells shown in FIG. 18A, inwhich the cross-coupled memory cells have four states.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-20C, each of the resistance values of the firstresistor R₁ and the second resistor R₂ is constantly 20 MΩ, and on theother hand, V_(IB1), a bias generated by a bias voltage source U1 andapplied between the first electrode I and the back electrode B of thefirst memory cell 1 in FIG. 18A, and V_(IB2), a bias generated by a biasvoltage source U2 and applied between the first electrode I and the backelectrode B of the second memory cell 2 in FIG. 18A, are adjustedaccordingly. For example, in a case in which V_(IB1) is 0 V, and V_(IB1)is 1.5 V, the cross-coupled memory cells have one state (denoted bycircle) as shown in FIG. 20A. For example, in a case in which V_(IB1) is0.5 V, and V_(IB1) is 1.5 V, the cross-coupled memory cells have twostates (denoted by circles) as shown in FIG. 20B. For example, in a casein which V_(IB1) is 0.1 V, and V_(IB1) is 0.1 V, the cross-coupledmemory cells have three states (denoted by circles) as shown in FIG.20C. For example, in a case in which V_(IB1) is 1 V, and V_(IB1) is 1 V,the cross-coupled memory cells have four states (denoted by circles) asshown in FIG. 20D. The exemplary resistance values of the first resistorR₁ and the second resistor R₂ and exemplary values V_(IB1) and V_(IB2)described above to obtain multistates of the cross-coupled memory cellsshown in FIG. 18A are merely examples, and the present disclosure is notlimited thereto.

Although described above, the sweeping voltage applied between the firstelectrode I and the second electrode R or applied between the firstelectrode I and the back electrode B gradually increases from areference voltage to a predetermined voltage. The present disclosure,however, is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, thesweeping voltage applied between the first electrode I and the secondelectrode R or applied between the first electrode I and the backelectrode B gradually decreases from the predetermined voltage to thereference voltage.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) according toembodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 21, the MISIMis formed on a substrate 10 which can be a semiconductor substrate, aninsulating substrate, or any suitable substrate. The MISIM according toembodiments of the present disclosure includes a back electrode Bdisposed on the substrate 10, a semiconductor layer 100 disposed on theback electrode B, an insulating layer 110 disposed on the semiconductorlayer 100, a first electrode I and a second electrode R disposed on theinsulating layer 110 and spaced-apart from each other, and a contact CB,made of an electrically conductive material, electrically connected tothe back electrode B and formed in a region in which the semiconductorlayer 100 and the insulating layer 110 are removed. The structure of theMISIM shown in FIG. 21 is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS.1 and 2, except that the MISIM shown in FIG. 21 includes the substrate10 and the contact CB. Materials for forming various layers of the MISIMshown in FIG. 21 can refer to those described above, and thus,descriptions thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

According to some aspects, NDR characteristics of an MISIM device can beobtained by simultaneously sweeping a voltage between two of threeterminals of the MISIM device while maintaining a bias between anothertwo of three terminals of the MISIM device. Accordingly, an output ofthe MISIM device, i.e., current passing through one of the threeterminals of the MISIM device can be controlled by the lateral minoritycarriers supplied from another of the three terminals of the MISIMdevice such that the current can be exponentially amplified by Schottkybarrier height. In some embodiments, the minority carriers aredetermined by competition of electron injection, inversion charge, andthe energy barrier for electrons flowing from one of the three terminalsof the MISIM device, thereby increasing design freedom to control theoutput current based on the sweeping voltage and the bias.

According to some aspects, the MISIM device operates in a single NDRmode or a dual NDR mode, by changing a control circuit of the MISIMdevice but without changing the structure of the MISIM device.

According to some aspects, the MISIM device includes three terminals,one semiconductor layer, and an insulating layer. As such, themanufacturing process to make the MISIM is CMOS compatible, allowing theMISIM device to be, for example, a memory device manufactured by CMOSprocess.

In one embodiment, a metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal(MISIM) device includes a semiconductor layer, an insulating layerdisposed over an upper surface of the semiconductor layer, a backelectrode disposed over a lower surface of the semiconductor layeropposing the upper surface, and first and second electrodes disposedover the insulating layer and spaced-apart from each other. In oneembodiment, the first electrode has a circular shape and the secondelectrode has a ring shape surrounding the first electrode. In oneembodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode respectivelyhave first and second sides facing each other, the first and secondsides being parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the firstelectrode includes a first contact electrode, an inner electrode, and afirst connecting electrode connecting the first contact electrode andthe first inner electrode to each other, and the second electrodeincludes a second contact electrode, an outer electrode partiallysurrounding the inner electrode of the first electrode, and a secondconnecting electrode connecting the second contact electrode and theouter electrode to each other. In one embodiment, the first electrodeincludes a first contact electrode, a first coupling electrode, and afirst connecting electrode connecting the first contact electrode andthe first coupling electrode to each other, the second electrodeincludes a second contact electrode, a second coupling electrode, and asecond connecting electrode connecting the second contact electrode andthe second coupling electrode to each other, and the first couplingelectrode and the second coupling electrode comprise comb-shaped arrays.In one embodiment, a thickness of the insulating layer is 1 nm to 4 nm.In one embodiment, the semiconductor layer is an N-type semiconductor,and the first electrode and the second electrode are made of a materialhaving a flatband voltage V_(FB) greater than 0. In one embodiment, theN-type semiconductor material has a doping concentration of 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³. In one embodiment, the semiconductor layer is a P-typesemiconductor, and the first electrode and the second electrode are madeof a material having a flatband voltage V_(FB) less than 0. In oneembodiment, the P-type semiconductor material has a doping concentrationof 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³. In one embodiment, the MISIM devicefurther includes a substrate, and the back electrode is disposed betweenthe semiconductor layer and the substrate. In one embodiment, a memorydevice includes a plurality of cells coupled to a plurality of wordlinesand a plurality of bitlines. Each cell includes the MISIM device, aresistor, and a pass-gate transistor, a gate electrode of the pass-gatetransistor connected to one of the plurality of wordlines and a sourceof the pass-gate transistor connected to one of the plurality ofbitlines. In each cell, the second electrode of the MISIM device isconnected to the ground, a bias voltage source provides a bias betweenthe first electrode and the back electrode of the MISIM device, thefirst electrode of the MISIM device and one end of the resistor areconnected to a drain of the pass-gate transistor, and a constant currentsource connects another end of the resistor to the ground. In oneembodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of cells coupled to aplurality of wordlines and a plurality of bitlines. Each cell includesthe MISIM device, a resistor, and a pass-gate transistor, a gateelectrode of the pass-gate transistor connected to one of the pluralityof wordlines and a source of the pass-gate transistor connected to oneof the plurality of bitlines. In each cell, the back electrode of theMISIM device is connected to the ground, a bias voltage source providesa bias between the first electrode and the second electrode of the MISIMdevice, the first electrode of the MISIM device and one end of theresistor are connected to a drain of the pass-gate transistor, and aconstant current source is connected another end of the resistor to theground. In one embodiment, a memory device includes first and secondcells cross-coupled to each other. The first and second cells eachinclude the MISIM device, the back electrodes of the MISIM devices ofthe first and second cells are connected to the ground, the secondelectrode of the MISIM of the first cell and the first electrode of theMISIM of the second cell are coupled to each other, and are connected toa first bitline through a first pass-gate transistor, the firstelectrode of the MISIM of the first cell and the second electrode of theMISIM of the second cell are coupled to each other, and are connected toa second bitline through a second pass-gate transistor, and gateelectrodes of the first and second pass-gate transistors arerespectively connected to first and second wordlines.

In one embodiment, a method for operating ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) device, in whichthe MISIM device includes a semiconductor layer, an insulating layerdisposed over an upper surface of the semiconductor layer, a backelectrode disposed over a lower surface of the semiconductor layeropposing the upper surface, and first and second electrodes disposedover the insulating layer and spaced-apart from each other, includes:increasing a voltage difference between the first electrode and thesecond electrode from a first value to a second value or decreasing thevoltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrodefrom the second value to the first value, while maintaining connectionof the second electrode and the ground and maintaining a bias betweenthe first electrode and the back electrode. In one embodiment, the biasis a constant. In one embodiment, current passing through the firstelectrode of the MISIM has a peak when increasing the voltage differencebetween the first electrode and the second electrode from the firstvalue to the second value or decreasing the voltage difference betweenthe first electrode and the second electrode from the second value tothe first value.

In one embodiment, a method for operating ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) device, in whichthe MISIM device includes a semiconductor layer, an insulating layerdisposed over an upper surface of the semiconductor layer, a backelectrode disposed over a lower surface of the semiconductor layeropposing the upper surface, and first and second electrodes disposedover the insulating layer and spaced-apart from each other, includes:increasing a voltage difference between the first electrode and the backelectrode from a first value to a second value or gradually decreasingthe voltage difference between the first electrode and the backelectrode from the second value to the first value, while maintainingconnection of the back electrode and the ground and maintaining a biasbetween the first electrode and the second electrode. In one embodiment,the bias is a constant. In one embodiment, current passing through thefirst electrode of the MISIM has two peaks when increasing the voltagedifference between the first electrode and the back electrode from thefirst value to the second value or decreasing the voltage differencebetween the first electrode and the back electrode from the second valueto the first value.

The term “embodiment” or “embodiments” described above does not refer tothe same embodiment or the same embodiments, and is provided toemphasize a particular feature or characteristic different from that ofother embodiment or embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art shouldunderstand that “embodiment” or “embodiments” described above can beconsidered to be able to be implemented by being combined in whole or inpart with one another, unless an opposite or contradictory descriptionis provided.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A metal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal(MISIM) device, comprising: a semiconductor layer; an insulating layerdisposed over an upper surface of the semiconductor layer; a backelectrode disposed over a lower surface of the semiconductor layeropposing the upper surface; and first and second electrodes disposedover the insulating layer and spaced-apart from each other, wherein thefirst electrode includes a first contact electrode, an inner electrode,and a first connecting electrode connecting the first contact electrodeand the first inner electrode to each other, and the second electrodeincludes a second contact electrode, an outer electrode partiallysurrounding the inner electrode of the first electrode, and a secondconnecting electrode connecting the second contact electrode and theouter electrode to each other.
 2. The MISIM device of claim 1, wherein athickness of the insulating layer is 1 nm to 4 nm.
 3. The MISIM deviceof claim 1, wherein the semiconductor layer is an N-type semiconductor,and the first electrode and the second electrode are made of a materialhaving a flatband voltage V_(FB) greater than
 0. 4. The MISIM device ofclaim 3, wherein the N-type semiconductor material has a dopingconcentration of 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 5. The MISIM device ofclaim 1, wherein the semiconductor layer is a P-type semiconductor, andthe first electrode and the second electrode are made of a materialhaving a flatband voltage V_(FB) less than
 0. 6. The MISIM device ofclaim 5, wherein the P-type semiconductor material has a dopingconcentration of 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 7. The MISIM device ofclaim 1, further comprising a substrate, wherein the back electrode isdisposed between the semiconductor layer and the substrate.
 8. Ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) device,comprising: a semiconductor layer; an insulating layer disposed over anupper surface of the semiconductor layer; a back electrode disposed overa lower surface of the semiconductor layer opposing the upper surface;and first and second electrodes disposed over the insulating layer andspaced-apart from each other, wherein the first electrode includes afirst contact electrode, a first coupling electrode, and a firstconnecting electrode connecting the first contact electrode and thefirst coupling electrode to each other, the second electrode includes asecond contact electrode, a second coupling electrode, and a secondconnecting electrode connecting the second contact electrode and thesecond coupling electrode to each other, and the first couplingelectrode and the second coupling electrode comprise comb-shaped arrays.9. The MISIM device of claim 8, wherein a thickness of the insulatinglayer is 1 nm to 4 nm.
 10. The MISIM device of claim 8, wherein thesemiconductor layer is an N-type semiconductor, and the first electrodeand the second electrode are made of a material having a flatbandvoltage V_(FB) greater than
 0. 11. The MISIM device of claim 10, whereinthe N-type semiconductor material has a doping concentration of5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 12. The MISIM device of claim 8, wherein thesemiconductor layer is a P-type semiconductor, and the first electrodeand the second electrode are made of a material having a flatbandvoltage V_(FB) less than
 0. 13. The MISIM device of claim 12, whereinthe P-type semiconductor material has a doping concentration of5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 14. The MISIM device of claim 8, furthercomprising a substrate, wherein the back electrode is disposed betweenthe semiconductor layer and the substrate.
 15. Ametal-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-metal (MISIM) device,comprising: a semiconductor layer; an insulating layer disposed over anupper surface of the semiconductor layer; a back electrode disposed overa lower surface of the semiconductor layer opposing the upper surface;and first and second electrodes disposed over the insulating layer andspaced-apart from each other, wherein the semiconductor layer is anN-type semiconductor, and the first electrode and the second electrodeare made of a material having a flatband voltage V_(FB) greater than 0;or the semiconductor layer is a P-type semiconductor, and the firstelectrode and the second electrode are made of a material having aflatband voltage V_(FB) less than
 0. 16. The MISIM device of claim 15,wherein a thickness of the insulating layer is 1 nm to 4 nm.
 17. TheMISIM device of claim 15, wherein the N-type semiconductor is a materialhaving a doping concentration of 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 18. TheMISIM device of claim 15, wherein the P-type semiconductor is a materialhaving a doping concentration of 5·10¹⁴/cm⁻³ to 5·10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 19. TheMISIM device of claim 15, further comprising a substrate, wherein theback electrode is disposed between the semiconductor layer and thesubstrate.
 20. The MISIM device of claim 15, wherein the first electrodeand the second electrode are made of one selected from group consistingof gold, silver, platinum, nickel, aluminum, hafnium, magnesium, and analloy thereof.